In the years 2004-2014, Wroclaw completed 65 large projects financed by the EU, which were worth PLN 2.8 billion; most of those projects pertained to development of infrastructure and construction of roads and tracks. The Wroclaw Municipality also invested huge sums of money. The European Union provided about PLN 1.3 billion..
A majority of the projects was performed in the framework of the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment and the Regional Operational Programme. The key projects are reconstruction of the north-south tram line, construction of the city ring road, reconstruction of the Warsaw Bridges, purchase of new trams, and regeneration of the Przedmieście Oławskie.
In addition to the municipal projects, a few large projects were implemented in Wroclaw for the entire region, to include the motorway ring road, reconstruction of the Central Wroclaw Train Station, and construction of the new airport terminal.
See how Wroclaw changed using the example of over ten projects.
Capitol Music Theatre
The theatre's metamorphosis is immense. It was completely rebuilt and upgraded. Now it impresses with its delightful shape, interior decorations, and huge stage. The project cost was over PLN 100 million. (photo BEFORE: Bartłomiej Sowa, photo NOW: Lech Kwartowicz)
Central Wroclaw Train Station
The revamp of the historical interior and the reconstruction of the infrastructure around the station enabled it to meet the European standards. The station's modern and functional building houses true art and architectural gems. The total cost of the project was about PLN 300 million. (The photo of the station before the reconstruction is from the www.dolny-slask.org.pl website.)
Wroclaw Research Centre EIT+
Using the European Union's funding, the Centre revamped historical buildings at Pracze Odrzańskie and built completely new laboratories and purchased equipment for them. Now it applies for money for various scientific projects. The Pracze Odrzańskie campus is a meeting point for science and business. The cost of all the projects implemented at Pracze Odrzańskie is estimated at hundreds of millions PLN.
Hochberg Chapel at St. Vincent and St. Jacob church
The renovation of this amazing place cost nearly PLN 10 million. The once neglected chapel turned into a pearl of architecture that is very popular among tourists.
Pl. Powstańców Wielkopolskich
A large transit hub in the municipal transport system. Its reconstruction started in 2006 and cost approximately PLN 30 million. Basically, the entire square changed, new tracks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as the entire infrastructure were built.
Ronald Reagan Traffic Circle
A part of the project started still in the programming period (namely in the years 2004-2006). The works that were performed were worth nearly PLN 70 million. The intersection at the national road no. 8 was completely changed. A part of the expenditures were refunded by the EU.
Reconstruction of ul. Szewska/new trams
The project implemented at ul. Szewska, which included reconstruction of a part of ul. Grodzka and pl. Teatralny, cost about PLN 50 million. At the same time, Wroclaw bought the first Skoda 16 T trams, which were also financed by the EU. Later, using the EU funds, the municipal transport company purchased 31 more new Skoda 19 T trams and upgraded the infrastructure. The latter investments were worth PLN 300 million. (fot.www.dolny-slask.org.pl)
City Centre ring road - Klecińska
One of the most important sections of the City Centre ring road runs along the former ul. Klecińska. Construction of the new road and the flyover bridge cost over PLN 50 million. Later, Wroclaw received funds for the northern part of the ring road between Osobowice and ul. Żernicka. The projects cost over PLN 250 million.
Wroclaw Airport
A new passenger terminal, modern infrastructure, and a completely new quality of services appreciated Europe-wide. The Wroclaw Airport spent on the construction of the terminal and the infrastructure around it a total of PLN 380 million.
Centennial Hall
Reconstruction of the building, included in the UNESCO world heritage list, cost over PLN 70 million. The hall regained its former splendour and gained new restaurants and conference rooms. Thanks to the EU funds, the nearby Four Domes Pavilion is also being renovated.
Wroclaw City Museum - Royal Palace
The old Royal Palace, which houses the Wroclaw City Museum, also changed its appearance dramatically. The renovation of this historical building cost about PLN 10 million.
Picnics, outdoor games, trips to buildings constructed thanks to European Union funding, and presentations of institutions, companies, and events that benefited from European support - residents of Wroclaw are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union. There are plenty of reasons to be happy and many things to boast and the selection of events, attractions, and meetings is large and very diverse. This is an opportunity to learn first hand how much Poland has benefited from its membership in the European community.
prepared by: JK
